Your Office Coach: Be wary of executive’s fluid promises

I have found myself in a very confusing situation. Several weeks
ago, I was contacted by a recruiter about a director of research
position with a growing company.Q:

I have found myself in a very confusing situation. Several weeks ago, I was contacted by a recruiter about a director of research position with a growing company. After being interviewed by the vice president, I received an offer. I noticed, however, that the offer letter contained no mention of my job title. When I inquired about this oversight, the vice president said he “needed some time to make a decision.”

On my second day of work, the vice president informed me that I was being hired as a manager, not a director. He also said that I would be reporting not to him, but to the current director of research.

The vice president then stated that the director of research has no future with the company. He indicated that he will be watching my performance to see if I am ready to take over that role. He said that if I have any concerns, I should come to him directly.

The vice president did not say how long this situation may last, but I believe I will eventually have the position I want. So far, I seem to be getting along well with the director of research, who appears to have no idea that his job is at risk. I would appreciate some advice on how to deal with these unusual circumstances.

A:

Your crafty vice president is clearly not a role model for either honesty or decision-making.

First, he misleads you during the recruiting process by changing the job for which you applied.

Then he tells you that he is secretly planning to sack your boss and possibly make you his replacement. This obviously places you in an extremely awkward position.

Despite your knowledge of the vice president’s hidden agenda, you must avoid acting like the heir apparent. As the director appears to be completely clueless about this clandestine plot, you should make every effort to maintain a normal manager-employee relationship with him.

Be wary of sharing confidences with the vice president, even though he has invited you to do so. Since he has recently demonstrated a proclivity for changing his mind, you shouldn’t count on this promotion until it actually happens.

Q:

Everyone in our office needs to concentrate, so the atmosphere is very quiet. Unfortunately, the co-worker next to me constantly makes irritating sounds, such as humming, whistling or mumbling to herself. Her noises make it hard for me to focus on my work.

This woman is the kind of person who would intentionally get louder if I ask her to stop. Her manager won’t do anything about the problem. I can’t move to a different cubicle, so what should I do about this?

A:

Based on your description, you are not able to discuss the issue with your colleague, request help from management, or change your location. Given those limitations, a set of ear plugs would appear to be your only remaining option.